California's Governor Blocks Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Governor's Decision Draws Backlash
Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”
This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”
Past Abuse and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously denied parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.
